Rodgers will continue to mix and match as Royals strive for winning formula

Brendan Rodgers has confessed he is still unsure of his best starting line-up.

The Reading manager has used a total of 23 outfield players in the Championship so far and refuses to rule out making more changes when he takes his team to Peterborough United tomorrow (3pm kick-off).

Only four players have started in all seven of Royals’ league games this season – goalkeeper Adam Federici, left-back Ryan Bertrand, vice-captain Alex Pearce and midfielder Jem Karacan.

Asked if he knew what his best team was yet, Rodgers admitted: “No I don’t. That’s the truth in it.

“I like to keep it fresh and have one or two changes. To be honest it’s just adapting and looking at where we’re at I think.

“The two systems that I will use will be a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-4-2 diamond, just depending on the game. There’s pretty much a group of players that are playing all the time with a good structure to the team. The other adaptations will be around that. Fortunately with a good squad, if it’s not working I can change it.

“It is important that the players and the team gets rhythm, but the season has already been broken with the international break. But I’ve got great confidence in what we’re doing.”

Rodgers is adamant, however, that his goal-shy Royals will soon pick up the pace, despite having failed to score in all but two of their seven league games.

“We need that killer instinct in front of goal and you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to see that,” said the 36-year-old. “The team have gone from one way of playing to a different identity and the final bit (scoring) is the hardest bit.

“We’re trying to build a team that can pass the ball with great intensity and be creative and be offensive, but always with discipline.”

The former Reading Academy coach also claims he is not tempted just yet to turn to the loan market to solve the club’s lack of goals.

“It’s not at the forefront of my mind,” added Rodgers. “Certainly if it keeps going on then I’ll look at that option.

“But it’s really about producing and developing better players here. That will win us games.”